The village and parish of Broadholme was historically part of Nottinghamshire, and lay within the Newark and Sherwood district. In 1986 the Local Government Boundary Commission suggested that the parish of Broadholme, and a small part of the neighbouring parish of Harby, be transferred from Nottinghamshire to Lincolnshire. The primary reasoning behind the suggestion was that the village could not be accessed by road from Nottinghamshire without passing through Lincolnshire, and thus they felt it might be easier to provide council services from Lincolnshire. Broadholme is also closer to the village of Saxilby in Lincolnshire than it was to the nearest Nottinghamshire village, which is Harby. The commission suggested that the villagers might feel a closer affinity to Saxilby.[4]

Most of those consulted about the transfer were opposed to it. Nottinghamshire County Council was opposed to the transfer, whilst villagers voted 26 to 11 to stay within Nottinghamshire. Two local campaigns were formed to oppose the transfer: the "Keep Broadholme in Nottinghamshire" campaign, and the "Broadholme Residents Campaign to stay in Nottinghamshire". Out of the 22 responses to the official consultation, only four supported the transfer: Lincolnshire County Council and three residents. Aside from the traditional connection to Nottinghamshire, those opposed to the transfer wished to retain the "superior refuse service", higher standard schools and the mobile library service they had access to as part of Nottinghamshire. Senior citizens also received a higher rate of travel voucher as part of Nottinghamshire. Concerns were also raised as the transfer involved a change of water provider, from Severn Trent Water to Anglian Water.[4]

Despite the overwhelming opposition both from residents and the council, the Commission went ahead with the transfer. Access to Nottinghamshire schools was only retained for those already enrolled in them, but was no longer available to new starters within the parish. The parish also lost its other benefits formerly provided by Nottinghamshire County Council or Newark and Sherwood District Council.[4] Broadholme was formally transferred to Lincolnshire in 1989.[5]